RE: Sprint phone needed to perform "pervasive" computing

["Joe Pluta" <joepluta@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> From: rob@xxxxxxxxx
>
> I will be switching my cell phone from Centennial to Sprint.
>
> What phone do you recommend I get?
> Requirements:
> - Place and receive phone calls.
> - Be able to handle monitors from iSeries Navigator
> Yes, work is picking up the tab.  However I don't want to break the bank.
> (Two more layoffs in the department this week.)
>
> ps:  My wife will also be moving to Sprint.  That one I'll be paying for.
> All she needs is to be able to place/receive calls.

I debated this for a while, Rob, and I just this week went with Verizon,
which offers its Express Network for most of its phones (even the basic
ones - I'm using a little Kyocera).  This is basically a driver that
installs on the laptop and a cable which hooks to your USB port and in
effect acts as a wireless Internet connection.  The reason I went with
Verizon is I like their high-speed network - I tested it in Chicago, Phoenix
and LA and it worked like a charm (no joy at the Grand Canyon, though
<grin>).  I got an average of 60Kbps up and down, which is pretty decent for
web-based email and whatever else you need.

I don't know what ports it supports, so there might be connectivity issues
there, but a full-size screen and keyboard sure beats those little keypads
on the handhelds.  Maybe its because I type for a living, but those little
fellas make me nuts.

If you're primary use is to answer occasional pages, then I guess it's
overkill.  But if you need a portable connectivity solution, it can't be
beat.  It probably saved us a missed flight in LA - we were lost in West
Hollywood with 45 minutes to get to the airport, and MapQuest saved the day
<smile>.  I'm not sure how well I'd have been able to use MapQuest on a
Palm, but then again I'm when it comes to handhelds I'm something of a
Luddite.  Didn't even get a cellphone until 2001 <grin>.

Joe